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Killing Christians: Living the Faith Where It's Not Safe to Believe

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Could you retain your faith even if it meant losing your life? Your family's lives?

To many Christians in the Middle East today, a "momentary, light affliction" means enduring only torture instead of martyrdom. The depth of oppression Jesus followers suffer is unimaginable to most Western Christians. Yet, it is an everyday reality for those who choose faith over survival in Syria, Iran, Egypt, Lebanon, and other countries hostile to the Gospel of Christ. In"Killing Christians, "Tom Doyle takes readers to the secret meetings, the torture rooms, the grim prisons, and even the executions that are the "calling" of countless Muslims-turned-Christians.

Each survivor longs to share with brothers and sisters "on the outside" what Christ has taught them. "Killing Christians "is their message to readers who still enjoy freedom to practice their faith. None would wish their pain and suffering on those who do not have to brave such misery, but the richness gained through their remarkable trials are delivered--often in their own words--through this book. The stories are breathtaking, the lessons soul-stirring and renewing. "Killing Christians "presents the dead serious work of expanding and maintaining the Faith.

207 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2015

113 people are currently reading
1029 people want to read

About the author

Tom Doyle

7 books70 followers
Tom Doyle pastored for 20 years in CO, TX & NM before launching into missions in the volatile Middle East. Tom and his wife JoAnn of 28 years have an overflowing heart for the nation of Israel. As a pastor, Tom began leading tours there in 1995 and eventually he became a tour guide for the State of Israel. He speaks frequently at churches and para-church ministries about Israel, the Middle East, the global threat of Islam, and the incredible growth of the Middle East Church since Sept 11, '01."

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67 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
Profile Image for Staci.
2,317 reviews673 followers
March 29, 2016
Eye opening look at Christian oppression in the Middle East.

Killing Christians is eight separate short stories about Christians risking their lives in the Middle East to spread the love of Jesus. What struck me more than anything is that each and every one of them is GLAD to be in the position they are in to share the Gospel and risk their lives for Christ. How humbling for a Christian living in an area where Christianity may not be esteemed as highly as it was, but is certainly allowable. As example, one man goes through such misery and risk to bring worn Bibles to others so that they may read them for a brief amount of time before sharing with the next Christian. Meanwhile, I must have at least ten Bibles in my house and surely a few of them collecting dust!

I especially enjoyed the "from their own words" comments at the end of each story.

I thank Rachel McRae for recommending this book on her blog. This novel is recommended for any Christian. One word of caution...there is some content that readers may find difficult to stomach.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
734 reviews37 followers
January 27, 2024
Gruesome, almost too honest in details and descriptions.
Heart-rending. Inspiring. Discouraging. Emboldening. A reminder to pray.

I appreciated the pieces of information about different places in the Middle-East. Their recent history. What everyday life is like.

My sister thought it was really cool that at the end of each section the person the story was about was the one speaking to you.

The darkness is real and strong, but there is a Light which can pierce through it all. The Light is Jesus.
Profile Image for Jeanette.
4,121 reviews850 followers
December 18, 2020
This is not at all what I read about it or thought it would be. Faith is one thing and the real life telling of what they have observed, live is quite another. BUT- BUT- BUT! The telling itself is so English disjointed and also the practice of seeing Jesus in constant or varied habitual dreams?

The faith unto death and such suffering! But somehow or other the product as a whole seems beyond any dogma or inherent Christian form of practice.

To me, it must be said- that for me- seeking a martyrdom is also insanity with another name.

I don't doubt that these people lived what they live. Or that these amount of deaths and types of deaths occur in all these places. In the Middle East it has been a constant and worse in this century.
Profile Image for Matt Hart.
Author 4 books21 followers
September 3, 2015
You must read this.

"...for people in the Middle East and other parts of the world, Christianity is synonymous with a life of extreme danger."

You won't see most of these true stories on the news. You won't hear about them on the radio. You won't read about them.

But they are real. This is what it is like to live as a Christian in many parts of the world today. These are stories of terrorists who come to Christ and learn to love and pray for their oppressors.

Yes, miracles do still happen.

Read on.
Profile Image for Mark Evans.
41 reviews3 followers
September 25, 2016
Killing Christians, written by Tom Doyle, has made quite an impression upon me. The book contains eight chapters, and each chapter tells the story of different Muslims who have converted to Christianity. I have concluded that my faith is pathetic compared to the men and women who are represented in this book. My love for God, and others, seems altogether insignificant. In my selfishness and pride I have become angry and bitter towards those who speak to me or speak of me, sharply. I get frustrated and have great difficulty forgiving those who have hurt me. The men and women whose stories are recorded in this book face much worse.

While I was on Christmas break this past year I asked God to let me see through His eyes. I wanted to be able to see the heartbreak and sadness of the world around me. I asked for this because I want to have the heart of Christ. Most of the time we cannot see past ourselves, past our own pain. I know that I cannot change myself, but I want the Spirit to change me. Whether or not God answered my prayer by making me aware of this book, I do not know. One thing I am certain of, I can never look at my own life, others, and Christianity in the same way. In the pages of this book I have come face to face with current martyrs, and I have wept for them, and because of them.

While we are trying to figure out what restaurant we want to eat at, and while we are trying on our designer clothes, and while we are putting together our fantasy football league, and while we are trying to figure out which class to take next, or college to go to, or boy/girl to date, or what kind of ice-cream we want, or candy, or car, or home, or video game, or movie to watch, or what friend to hang out with, or what vacation we will take… there are others who wake up every day with the reality that it might be their last. They don’t have the option to spend time on such privileged ideas and things. One commonality that I can recognize is that they exemplify the love and humility of Christ. They all testify to the reality that they will probably die for Christ, and they consider it an honor.

In this book you will read about a Christian who smuggles himself and Bibles under a corpse. You will read about young men and couples who are brutally killed for their faith. You will read about a mother and her children who nearly starve until they meet a Christian, and ultimately Christ. You will read about families that are torn apart, but you will also read about couples, sons, wives, and children that are made whole through Christ. You will read about a college professor who taught sharia to women; she became a Christian. You will read about a rebellious young Muslim lady who looked for pleasure in carnality. The same young lady found fulfillment in Christ, and was beaten to death (by her uncle) for her faith. You will read about life, and death. You will read about hatred, war, terrorism, love, joyful saints, and forgiveness. You will read about Christ. Forget all the anti-Islam propaganda. Don’t be afraid of the future, and what you read on Facebook about Islam. I am hopeful as I read about many Muslims who are converting to Christianity. I am excited about this truth, and I hope you consider reading this book.


Profile Image for Macey (Austin) Castro.
85 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2017
The stories of the Christians in this book are extremely powerful and truly humbling. It's sad to think of all the suffering and persecution in the world, but after reading this book, I am reminded of the hope we have in Jesus Christ and I am inspired by the incredible courage, hope, and love of the Christians in the Middle East.
Profile Image for Yibbie.
1,414 reviews56 followers
March 4, 2019
I really wanted to be able to recommend this book unreservedly. I was completely captivated by it and couldn’t put it down. Tom Doyle is an excellent writer. He captures the intensity of each story and channels it into motivation for us. He also kept it very fast paced. Each story touches the highlights of each person’s conversion, witness, and persecution or martyrdom.
I appreciated this book as a chronicle of Christian experience in the Middle East today. The beautiful, triumphant faith that shines through these believers’ lives is incredibly encouraging. Catching a glimpse of lives transformed and God’s light shining through the vilest darkness in very heartening. In the first burst of emotion when I finished it, I wanted to rate it 5 stars and give it to everyone.
Then I stopped and started to think more deeply about some of the teachings that are accepted in this book. I think every story includes a claim of a dream or vision of Christ. I don’t doubt their salvation and love of the Lord, but I am not convinced there is Scriptural support for this. I rather think that if left at the point where this book leaves it, it rather undercuts the importance of the Word of God and a clear presentation of the Gospel. Also while I understand that it is written directly to Christians in an attempt to encourage them to care for their suffering brethren, I was surprised that there wasn’t a clear presentation of the Gospel anywhere. Through all the stories we gather that Jesus loves us, that He is more than a prophet, and that He does change us. Actual salvation from sin is not clearly explained. I thought that was a little strange for a book written about people who are suffering for sharing the Gospel.
This has all been said much better than I can by numerous authors. I would recommend reading Gary Gilley’s article here. https://tottministries.org/muslim-dreams-and-visions/
So after a more careful evaluation of what this book says against Scripture, I have to rate it much lower than I originally wanted to. I cannot recommend it unreservedly. If you do read it be careful what you learn from it, and please carefully compare it to strict Biblical teachings, not emotions or experiences.
Profile Image for Danielle McClurg.
4 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2023
Soul stirring accounts of 100% faith in God to spread the gospel during unthinkable circumstances.
We can’t imagine this in the West.
This book accounts for biblical time persecution in ordinary people who have come to know Christ in todays day and age. I don’t recommend you read this if you’re faint in heart.
If you can endure the tragedies in this book and step into the shoes of fellow believers you’ll desire to have such trust in God that passes normal comprehension here in this world,
These people have a strong personal relationship with Jesus. It’s ultimately how they overcome.
Profile Image for David Przybylinski.
270 reviews
February 19, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this book as part of a bible study at church. We worked through the first six chapters then read the rest.

The book details various Muslims who have had visions of Jesus and have become Christians. In several cases people died at the hands of Muslims for their beliefs.

This was a good book to read especially if you have a study group.
Profile Image for Daniela Ilica.
72 reviews
October 2, 2024
Este fue un libro que me tomo tiempo leerlo, pero nada mas porque compre un libro muy pequeño con letra chiquita y fue difícil de leer. En cuanto a la temática del libro me hizo estremecerme muchisimo, en conocer historias verídicas de lo que sufren los cristianos por el mero motivo de tener una creencia distinta de los musulmanes. Pero es lo que bíblicamente dice que sucedería, Jesus dijo que si a El lo aborrecieron cuanto mas a nosotros.
136 reviews2 followers
August 28, 2019
What is the cost of your faith in Jesus?

“So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1:10-11‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://www.bible.com/116/2pe.1.10-11...

We in America are timid about our faith when it comes to sharing our faith with non Christians all around us. This book proves out, through the lives of those of us Christians in the most dangerous of places, how boldness leads to purpose and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. There reward is Glory. And ours?

Jesus said, “Pick up your cross and follow me. If you try to save your life you will lose it. If you lose your life for me and the Gospel you will be saved. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?”

Our relationship with Jesus is based in our trust and commitment to Jesus. There is no denying this.
Profile Image for Ashley Ethridge.
37 reviews
July 14, 2024
My words can’t even begin to fully describe the impact this book has made on my life. I am not the same person and completely changed, inspired and convicted. I wept every chapter as my heart broke and my faith strengthened. This should be a book every self proclaimed Christian in America reads. The narcissism of the Christians in America with prayers for God to “bless their vision” and “strengthen them for their vision to come to fruition” is so self focused and not true faith. I think this reveals what we are all truly called to as Christians and think this book will either radically awaken you of what you think faith in Jesus truly is, convict you of being a lukewarm Christian and inspire you to grow in faith and pray for Christians around the world. I think it’s time for all Christians to answer the question of if they truly have faith in Jesus Christ and what does that actually mean to them. Amazing read.
Profile Image for Jeff.
119 reviews31 followers
December 11, 2020
At a surface level, some of the wording in this book might come across a bit stilted. But look beyond that. Readers who dig deeper will be likely to see a powerful message that smacks them upside their head & heart. Anybody with any sense of humanity and justice will be horrified at the fate of these persecuted Christians who suffer unimaginably for sharing Jesus with those living under evil regimes. Go even deeper and you'll see incredible love and courage, and spiritual hope that seems to grow amid, perhaps even because of, the sadistic attacks they endure. Please pray for their safety, but much more than that pray that they will hold fast at all costs to the infinitely greater blessing of staying faithful to the One who holds their rewards in heaven for eternity.
53 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2016
Perhaps you are wondering, "With such a provocative title, what is this book about?" You can dispel the thought that the title is just to pique your interest; it is actually about Christians being killed. It's a powerful and quick read containing stories from real people in recent times who are under the constant threat of death. They are struggling to live out a life of compassionate outreach based on their faith in Jesus. Meanwhile their country and culture allows them to be tortured or killed for this approach. I found it compelling and it has sparked a desire for me to learn more about this clash of cultures. I would recommend it.
Profile Image for Juan Laureano.
63 reviews
March 13, 2025
Picked this up in a time when we are reading headlines covered with Christians being tortured and killed around the world for their faith in Jesus Christ. Published in 2015, this book contains true stories of the sacrifice people have made and it still continues today. Read the following excerpt and pay particular attention to the last line. Many of us here in America are experiencing “inconvenience” and confuse it with “sacrifice.”

“I think what followers of Christ in Syria fear most are the crucifixions. It’s a horrifying prospect. Death on a cross is grue-some, and on top of that, crowds mock and torture the believers leading up to actually nailing them onto crosses.

Some who face this are new in the faith, and I don’t blame them for being frightened, but it would be an honor to die for Jesus in this way. Just think: the Lamb of God went to the cross in Jerusalem only two hundred miles from Damascus. Now, two thousand years later, the prospect hangs over our heads as a real possibility, just like it did for Jesus and His followers in the first century.

But regardless of which of us end up literally crucified for Christ, the question is: Have we not died already? Paul-who was converted right here in Syria proclaimed, “I am crucified with Christ.”

I consider Syrian believers fortunate to have a tangible reminder of this fact. Why? Because I used to think I lived a life of sacrifice, but that changed when the war broke out. Although Syria has so few believers that there was danger before, I did not really know what it means to sacrifice. What I thought was sacrifice was actually just inconvenience.” (Doyle, p.41).
Profile Image for Caro Salamanca.
3 reviews
January 28, 2018
Generalmente los ojos del mundo observan lo que en “teoría” realmente importa. Sin embargo, esa visión está sesgada por los dueños de esos ojos.
El asesinato de cristiano te muestra que todo aquel que piense diferente es sentenciado a muerte con justa causa. Y que no son solo unos pocos los que sufren al no ser aceptado por su inclinación de género, raza, sexo, etc. Sino que la tierra grita por la sangre que corre en su superficie por la muerte de muchos.
Personas que son asesinadas y humilladas en la tierra pero exaltadas en el cielo. ¿Acaso un héroe no es aquel que defiende hasta la muerte un ideal?
Profile Image for Catherine Steveley.
22 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2019
WOW! This is perspective!

I'm very moved by the suffering of my brothers and sisters and other parts of the world. I have answered the questions myself and am willing to suffer and am willing to die for Jesus. I have been persecuted by family members for over 40 years for my faith and I consider it an honor to have gone through western-style suffering for my faith. I will pray for my brothers and sisters in Israel, in Gaza, in Syria, in Egypt, and in other places where they are suffering far more than I could ever imagine. Such a great book! Thank you for sharing your true stories, and I will go to the Facebook page and pray at 8:38 p.m.
Profile Image for Karla Renee Goforth Abreu.
676 reviews8 followers
October 15, 2019
Wow this book takes you to the front lines of the persecuted church. The commitment of these believers is nothing short of amazing! When you read the stories, you realize that this is the commitment all believers should have. Though this book is not intended to cause anyone in the west a sense of guilt, there is hardly any way to read these accounts except to become aware that we so take for granted our way of life, which pushes our commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ to a place, a compartment, rather than a pervasive overwhelming purpose for being.
At the close of the book is a challenge and also a prayer link to connect to the persecuted church.
Read this book. NOW
Profile Image for Carissa Clark.
39 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2021
I cried so much in this book…not so much at the atrocities and horrors happening in these countries, but for how good God is and how God shows up in each of these stories. Amazing stories of God and of the faith of fellow believers who truly wake up and live every day for Jesus. Such inspiring stories and I have spent much time since reading it reflecting and praying for my own faith. I’ve also been inspired to become more aware of the struggles and issues in other parts of the world and to be praying more for those things. I highly recommend reading this book and reflecting on the stories shared.
Profile Image for Pamela.
16 reviews
February 19, 2025
One of the best books I have ever read about persecuted Christians. I love how the authors have managed to recreate the stories as faithfully as possible, because while reading you feel as if you are there with them, experiencing with your senses what they are feeling, seeing, hearing. The letter from the protagonists at the end of each story bring you back to reality, making you understand that the novels are in fact true stories. They both encouraged and moved me deeply. God is powerful and also speaks in supernatural ways, and he equips His people to be courageous in preaching the Gospel in the worst places. How wonderful! This book really challenges lukewarm faith, dare to read it!
Profile Image for Katherine Erwin.
7 reviews
April 21, 2021
Only for Jesus Christ out Lord and Saviour!!!!

Loved the true life stories and all for God's glory! The end of the book gives you practical ways to be part of God's Kingdom - I always felt guilty because we have it so easy - we are free to read the Bible in the open - no persecution! Do we do it? In p!aces like Iraq and Iran they can't and when they do get caught with a Bible they are killed - the Christians I those countries are so very very close to God - we need to pray for them and ask God to keep their faith strong.....
327 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2022
A disturbing yet inspirational book.
This is several true stories of Christians living the Faith where it is not safe to believe. Stories set in Somalia, Syria, Baghdad, Saudi Arabia, and the Gaza Strip. Each story follows a recent Christian and the difficulties and atrocities they face just to follow Jesus. Each and every one is willing to die for Christ and it makes the reader wonder if they are also willing to do so.
Filled with details of awful tortures and killings, but also the hope for Christians.
Profile Image for Quinesia Johnson.
470 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2022
I read and scanned through this book. There are basic instances of Christians giving their lives to not denounce Jesus, and for the cause of Christ. There was nothing here too out of the ordinary, inspite of the circumstances. I found it intriguing just how many accounts also included visions, as the Bible tells us will be prevalent in the last days. They seem to be going to the Arabics. The passion is moving, and I love how the question fish tails back around to the reader: Are you too willing to give your life to not denounce Christ or for his cause? The book is a blessing.
Profile Image for Bree.
117 reviews3 followers
April 7, 2023
If you are a Christ-follower, this is a must-read. Not only will it convict you, but it will show you just what those in the west go through to follow the Lord. This isn't a warm, fuzzy book, but it is a book that will help you evaluate your faith. I take for granted my freedom to pray to Jesus anytime, anywhere, and I hope that going forward, I remember my brothers and sisters in Christ who don't have that privilege. I cannot recommend this book enough. Read it, and join me in praying for those in the stories and those just like them fighting the fight for God on the frontlines.
Profile Image for Calum  Mackenzie .
635 reviews
September 18, 2024
Read this in 24 hours. Eye opening, challenging and inspiring. There are some dark, traumatic attacks described here so if you’re upset or triggered by them, I’d maybe avoid.

Occasionally the style can come across as twee but that’s a matter of taste. As a ‘western’ Christian this made me think and thank God for the freedoms we have. I’ve read books on persecution in other countries so the fact that all the stories are from the Middle East was informative.

Given current events, the final chapter, about Israel & Gaza was really interesting.

100% recommend
6 reviews
November 9, 2018
A book every born again American Christian needs to read

A book every born again Christian needs to read- & it’s a book Everyone needs to read... I couldn’t put it down & I couldn’t stop praying for these Mighty men & women of Valor
This is an eye opening book, & we need to realize that the Lord is pouring out His Spirit in these last days... See, it’s all about Jesus.. This book is awesome & convicting to this Born Again American Christian.
5 Stars all the way
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews

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